Jones is letting GOP off hook

In the Ozarks, folks like to use plain common sense to deal with issues - as we note in this regular editorial feature on "common sense" solutions.

Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, is a pragmatist and he's good at math. Jones said Tuesday that he will likely not try to override Gov. Jay Nixon's veto of a Republican tax-cut bill. He will need all 109 Republicans in the House to vote for the override, since no Democrats are expected to vote yes. But he didn't even get that many Republicans to vote for the tax initially. A vote would force Republicans to choose between lower taxes or less state aid for schools and other programs. Jones is letting them off the hook. That's not just a wise move ... it's just common sense.

As the Springfield City Council considers a possible requirement that all over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine be sold only with a doctor's prescription, the state's Attorney General Chris Koster is pushing for a statewide restriction. Establishing such restrictions piecemeal - sending those who purchase the drugs to make methamphetamine to neighboring towns - is not the most effective way to solve the meth problem. Taking it on at a statewide level is the best way to make a real dent in local meth labs. It's just common sense.

Sometimes people would rather fight than accept a win. That is the cast with the newly elected U.S. Rep. Jason Smith and his cohort Rep. Billy Long. Using a technique from the Republican-led Missouri House's playbook, Smith is busy stirring up anxiety over the Blueways program even after that designation was rescinded for the White River watershed. As we have said before, the Blueways designation should never have been granted without input from landowners and other stakeholders, but holding a hearing in West Plains to intensify already high levels of ire did nothing to resolve anything. Instead of preaching to the angry choir, our legislators should spend time making sure our waterways are safe, clean and available for everyone's enjoyment. It's just common sense.

A recent panel discussion about the George Zimmerman trial gave African-American community leaders an opportunity to talk about the impact of racial profiling on their lives. The Springfield Police Department is working to change the disappointing rate of profiling apparent in traffic stops in the city. That is the right thing to do, and ... it's just common sense.

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Jones is letting GOP off hook

In the Ozarks, folks like to use plain common sense to deal with issues ? as we note in this regular editorial feature on 'common sense' solutions. Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, is a